Adopt the basics for a trimmer you in 2013

Poor health habits are closely related to heart attacks, stroke, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, weak muscles and joints. The number one killer today is heart disease.

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By Reggie Grovey

The Shawnee News-Star

By Reggie Grovey

Posted Jan. 20, 2013 at 12:00 AM

By Reggie Grovey
Posted Jan. 20, 2013 at 12:00 AM

Poor health habits are closely related to heart attacks, stroke, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, weak muscles and joints. The number one killer today is heart disease.

Does anyone ever find themselves working long hours, getting tired or feeling weak during their day? Is there stress in your life from maintaining a hectic schedule while trying to raise a family, earn income, pay off debt, or save for the future? I think most Americans find themselves dealing with some or all of the above mentioned topics.

Well in my mind, this is a snapshot description of what we commonly refer to as “life.” In some shape or form we are all affected by it.

Unfortunately, if we don’t take care of ourselves physically and mentally as we age, our busy lifestyle can lead us towards poor health, if we let it.

I would like to remind you that if we stand by idle, we’ll just continue to get older, slower, weaker, and more unhealthy throughout our lives.

Life has always been hectic, dating back even to the days of our parents and grandparents. Life is not going to change. If anything, it will just get worse.

Americans will always find a way to overwork, overstress, and tire themselves out.

It is just normal in our society, if we make a million dollars this year, we are expected to raise our goal and get a million and a half the next.

The pressure will never go away, so we must learn to deal with it more effectively to stay healthy.

That’s why it is so important to make sure we incorporate a credible nutrition program and exercise into our weekly schedules as a way of life.

First and foremost, it all starts with great nutrition and proper supplementation. The positives are worth their weight in gold.

When you feel good, have confidence and more energy, chances are high that you will bring your best to everything that you do.

We know the issue, we know the negatives of not taking care of ourselves. We’ve talked about the positives of being proactive about your health. Our next step is to master the basics that must be included in any good health improvement program.

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First, we have got to define reality. Take a real look at yourself and define your actual health and fitness status. Decide what areas you need to improve. Everyone is different. Areas possibly needing correction could be a poor doctors’ visit, weak muscles, extra pounds, fat gain, or even lean muscle loss.

Secondly, set a goal. Be passionate about it. Make a commitment to yourself, family, or trainer, and stick to it. The buddy system, or team approach is definitely a great way to stay accountable.

Thirdly, it is time to get started. Convenience is the key. Figure out when, where, and how long you are going to be able to exercise.

What will be best for you, working out at a gym with a trainer, or on your own, training at home, in the morning, afternoon, before or after you take the kids to evening classes? It’s totally your call, so please spend some time sorting out when it will work for you. And yes, there is definitely a time that will work for you.

The next step is to find and follow a solid nutrition system, stick with it, and incorporate exercise into your daily planner. Treat it as priority like any other meeting because your health is that important.

Plan ahead at least one week because schedules change weekly due to work or family obligations.

We no longer have a choice anymore, because the reasons and benefits to be proactive about our health and performance are overwhelmingly clear.

Now that we have made room for this very important part of our lives, it is time to take action on your plans to improve health. Start slow. A checkup is always good. Especially for men 45 years of age and women 55 years of age, or if you have simply been sedentary.

Walking, stationery biking, chores around the house, or chair aerobics are all effective forms of exercise. Work at your own pace and progress very slowly.

To fuel this physical activity, we have got to drink plenty of the “wonder drink” commonly known as water. Always drink 64-96 ounces of water every day. It helps burn calories, keeps your body cool, and prevents dehydration, just to name a few of it’s benefits.

It is also very important to make the time to include electrolyte replacement drinks in your daily regimen. Please include breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with two or three healthy snacks each and every day.

Last but certainly not least, rest must become a very important part of your overall health improvement program. Sleep energizes and rejuvenates your mind and body for the next day. I recommend seven to eight hours sleep each night and at least one or two days off during the week from your workouts.

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If you are looking to trim up, stay healthy, and feel better for the New Year, these are great basics that will lead you to your goals.

Use these basic tools and you are on your way.

All we are doing, is moving slowly away from bad habits that make us weak, unhealthy, and overweight, and replacing them with good habits that keep us strong, healthy and trim. You can do this!

Don’t put pressure on yourself because one day is not so important that it can make or break your program.

Just stay focused and consistently incorporate exercise and nutrition whenever you can. I see people getting healthy, losing weight, and changing their lives every day. You can too!

Until next week please make it a nutritious and healthy day!

For more information on healthy weight loss and nutrition products, contact Reggie’s Personal Training and Nutrition at 405-613-0237.